Saturday Blitz
Fansided

Florida Football: 5 most hated Miami players since 2000

By Briley Hughes

GAINESVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 06: Running back Derron Thomas #21 of the Miami Hurricanes has his helmet knocked off his head as he is brought down by a gang tackle while taking on the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 6, 2008 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 06: Running back Derron Thomas #21 of the Miami Hurricanes has his helmet knocked off his head as he is brought down by a gang tackle while taking on the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 6, 2008 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
HOUSTON – SEPTEMBER 23: Wide receiver Devin Hester #4 of the University of Miami Hurricanes carries the ball while evading tackles during the game with the University of Houston Cougars on September 23, 2004 at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. Miami won 38-13. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
HOUSTON – SEPTEMBER 23: Wide receiver Devin Hester #4 of the University of Miami Hurricanes carries the ball while evading tackles during the game with the University of Houston Cougars on September 23, 2004 at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. Miami won 38-13. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

1. Devin Hester

Devin Hester was integral in several of Miami’s victories over the Gators in the early 2000s.

In the 2003 contest, before Miami was able to complete the largest comeback in their history, Hester put the Canes in the lead by returning the opening kickoff for a touchdown. After turning Florida’s final defender in circles and in signature Miami fashion, Hester ripped off his helmet and stared into the camera and crowd soaking in all the praise the Orange Bowl could give.

Hester wasn’t done torching Florida, either.

In the first quarter of the 2004 Peach Bowl match up, Miami blocked a field goal attempt by the Gators. Devin Hester picked up the loose ball and sped past everyone for a 78-yard touchdown return to put Miami up 7-0. He was so far ahead of any Florida player that he began showboating from the 30-yard line, which landed him an unsportsmanlike penalty.

But Hester wasn’t done putting his mark on the game: He also intercepted a Chris Leak pass during that same Peach Bowl which he returned for 25 yards.

Next. 5 most gut-wrenching Gator losses of past decade. dark

Hester might have been the greatest special teams returner of all time and he made the Gators pay several times over the years.

Home/Florida Gators